bolero

noun

bo·​le·​ro bə-ˈler-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce bolero (audio)
-ˈle-rō
plural boleros
1
: a Spanish dance characterized by sharp turns, stamping of the feet, and sudden pauses in a position with one arm arched over the head
also : music in ³/₄ time for a bolero
2
: a loose waist-length jacket open at the front

Examples of bolero in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web If this doesn't fit with your dream dress, consider a bodysuit or bolero that can be removed after the ceremony. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2024 Boyle Heights’ last surviving ballroom The Paramount is fitting for the old soul who is influenced by ’90s Britpop, ’60s folk, Argentinian rock, boleros and Cuban ballads. Kamren Curiel, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2024 Infused with a South American bohemian essence reminiscent of tango and bolero, the album seamlessly combines traditional tones with a contemporary flair. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 1 Dec. 2023 Dripping with elegance and nostalgia, the Mexican American chanteuse forges a deeper connection with her heritage that not only pays homage to the past but also paves the way for future generations to cherish and appreciate the beauty of boleros. Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 2 Feb. 2024 With the album, Aguilar also drops an hourlong visual project that captures the singer visiting Cuba, the birthplace of bolero. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2024 The music is a rich, melodic and lovely blend of Mexican bolero and ranchero folk music, and three mariachi musician-singers are onstage for the entire 75-minute show. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2023 The bride met the groom at the altar wearing a Monique Lhuillier dress and bolero. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 18 Jan. 2024 The program at the upstairs stage sweeps across different Mexican genres, boleros, Cuban music, cumbia and jazz. Elisabeth Malkin, New York Times, 23 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bolero.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Spanish

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bolero was in 1787

Dictionary Entries Near bolero

Cite this Entry

“Bolero.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bolero. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

bolero

noun
bo·​le·​ro bə-ˈle(ə)r-ō How to pronounce bolero (audio)
plural boleros
1
: a Spanish dance in ¾ time
2
: a waist-length jacket open at the front

More from Merriam-Webster on bolero

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!